During tight, slow speed turning, a rubbing noise can sometimes be heard from the rear of the car. This noise is likely coming from the clutches in the limited slip differential. If the noise persists, the differential fluid can be replaced with a special oil available from BMW. On higher mileage vehicles, this noise may never be eliminated unless the differential is replaced.

BMW is recalling 2008–2009 M3 passenger vehicles with the optional double clutch transmission. When rapid vehicle deceleration occurs, the transmission software may perform a multistage downshift, which can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will reprogram the engine and transmission ECU with updated software free of charge.